FWICE issues notice to producers, threatens to go on strike

Owing to non-fulfillment of their demands raised in 2015, The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has threatened to go on strike from August 15 onwards.

FWICE has sent notice to Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), The Film and Television Producers Guild of India Ltd, Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) and Western Indian Film Producers' Association (WIFPA). According to reports, notice has also been issued to the television channels, advertising companies and the police headquarters as well.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) prime demand of increment in salary and eight-hour shift for workers raised in 2015 is yet to be fulfilled by producers.

It must be recalled that two years ago, FWICE called on a strike for the above mentioned demands plus other benefits like accidental and medical insurance, safety and job security. The producers reportedly agreed at that time. However, according to reports FWICE President Birendra Nath Tiwari claims that their promises have not been fulfilled yet.

In a quote given to PTI, Tiwari has said, 'It has been two years but none of our demands have been fulfilled. We have not demanded anything more; the demands are just the same as made in the year 2015. We don't have any problem with Film (producers) but there is exploitation in television.'

Thankfully, the film industry won’t suffer from this unfortunate strike if it happens but work in the TV industry might be highly affected.

In the report FWICE President Birendra Nath Tiwari has alleged producer JD Majethia of the Indian Film and TV Producers Council to be non co –operative.

'We are fed of the producers; they just want to earn money themselves and don't want to think about the workers. We met them last month but there has been no positive response from them, so we have decided to go on a strike. There is an issue of sanitation, there are no proper toilets for men, it’s a matter of concern for women as well.' Tiwari has been quoted saying.

FWICE that has a strong strength of 2,50,000 workers as their members will go on strike from August 15 if their demands are not met. The members are going to spread the word in their community by visiting their members on the sets from this Saturday.